Overstayer wanted by FBI deported from NZ

Juliette Gilbert and her son Sky were sent back to the US last night. Picture / BOP Times

Overstayer Juliette Gilbert and her son Sky left New Zealand last night for the United States, an immigration spokeswoman said today.

The pair, escorted by police, will be met by the FBI when they arrive in the United States.

Gilbert, who is on the American FBI's most wanted list, has been on the run since fleeing Washington in 2002 with Sky, 9, after American courts awarded joint custody to Sky's father Roby.

Gilbert had been living with fiancee Craig Henwood in Tauranga until January this year. Mr Henwood, who had no idea of Gilbert's past, arrived home in mid-January to find Gilbert and Sky gone -- along with all her possessions and Mr Henwood's car.

On Sunday, the Immigration Service tracked Gilbert down trying to rent a property in Rotorua after living in a small tent near Lake Rotoma.

Immigration spokeswoman Mary Anne Thompson today said what happens next to Gilbert, a 37-year-old website artist from Washington, is in the hands of the America authorities.

"The Department of Labour immigration service's concerns were that she left the country as she was residing here illegally," Ms Thompson said in a statement.

She said Ms Gilbert will now face a five-year ban from New Zealand and will be required to pay all expenses incurred in her removal.


Roby Gilbert today said he was still concerned about his son's welfare.


Mr Gilbert said he was relieved Sky was no longer living life as a fugitive but that enthusiasm was "tempered by the gravity of Sky's situation".


"We can't wait to tell Sky face to face how much we have missed him and how much we love him," Mr Gilbert told US media yesterday.


He was so overwhelmed with phone calls once the news broke of his ex-wife's capture, he called a special press conference.


"In our hearts there is a celebration today as we await Sky's return. And although we are all very relieved that Sky is no longer living life as a fugitive, our enthusiasm is tempered by the gravity of Sky's situation. Our main concern is for Sky's welfare and we thank you all for your understanding," he said.


Mr Gilbert thanked authorities and citizens in the US and in New Zealand for helping reunite father and son.


He asked the press to respect the family's privacy.


"Our family needs, and Sky and our other children deserve, the opportunity to reunite and heal without the stress of heightened media attention. We want to bring him back to as normal a childhood as possible and we are sure you understand how important this is to Sky's transition. How his reunion is handled will affect him for the rest of his life."


US authorities said Gilbert would be taken into custody on arrival in California and returned to Washington where she would probably be held in jail in Kitsap County.


Sky would go to Washington, where a judge would decide where he would stay.


- NZPA, BAY OF PLENTY TIMES